The Rights of Man
/ðə ˌraɪts əv ˈmæn/
/ðə ˌraɪts əv ˈmæn/
- a book (1791-2) by Thomas Paine. It explained his ideas for a fair society, and supported free education, pensions for old people, greater rights for women, a fairer tax system, and the right to vote. It also supported the revolutions in America and France, and criticized the British government. Because of this, Paine was accused of treason (= the crime of betraying his country) by the British government, and was forced to leave Britain.